POCATELLO, Idaho – Diaba Konate, and Dora Goles combined to score 31 points as the Idaho State women's basketball team won a nail-biter against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 70-66, on Thursday Night in Reed Gymnasium.
NAU led 15-13 after the first quarter. Estefania Ors opened the second quarter with a three-pointer that would kick-start a 16-4 run to propel the Bengals to a 29-19 lead with 2:46 left in the first half.
ISU then withstood an 8-0 run by NAU to lead 29-27 at halftime.
The third quarter remained close as the Bengals biggest lead was five points at different occasions with the latest being 44-39 after a basket by Konate with 2:24 remaining. ISU outscored NAU 16-15 in the quarter to lead 44-43 going into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair as there were six lead changes. The Bengals took the lead for good when Konate hit a 3-pointer with 3:05 remaining, The bucket tied her career-high for three-pointers made in a game. With 59 seconds left and Idaho State clinging to a 62-60 lead, Goles stepped up and responded by hitting a three-pointer and on the ensuing possession she passed a dime to Ellie Smith who made a clutch layup and pushed the Bengal lead to 67-63. Smith would then come back and hit two free throws to secure the victory.
The Bengals had four players score in double figure. Konate ended the game with the second double-double of her career with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Konate's 10 rebounds set a new career-high. Goles lead the team with 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Bengals were outrebounded, 44-42. Goles had a season-high eight rebounds and Smith also tied her career-high with eight boards.
The Bengals face this same Northern Arizona squad on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 12 PM. Follow along at isubengals.com on how to follow the game.
